Donald Trump Opposed By Governors For Forcing States To Reopen When COVID-19 Is Still Uncontrolled

Donald Trump said in his press conference early this week that he is “king” that is why his words hold authority that the government officials under him should follow. He said that it is up to him to decide on measures to fight the COVID-19 outbreak since he has total authority.

His statements come after the POTUS expressed his wish to reopen the economy since the U.S. has been practicing strict social distancing guidelines for weeks already. Apparently, he knows that many will contradict his decision so he is telling everyone that as the president of the United States, he “calls the shots.”

"When somebody is president of the United States, the authority is total," The Guardian quoted Trump as saying on Monday at the White House. "The governors know that."

While Trump also insisted that he and the governors are getting on very well so he is certain that there won’t be any issue once he orders the reopening of businesses. However, the governors are saying otherwise. They actually disagree with the president and they are denouncing his statements where he declared that “he is king.”

“For the purpose of creating conflict and confusion, some in the Fake News Media are saying that it is the Governor’s decision to open up the states, not that of the President of the United States & the Federal Government,” Trump tweeted. “Let it be fully understood that this is incorrect - It is the decision of the President, and for many good reasons.”

Governors from different states voiced out their objections and reminded everyone that their primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the public in the states that they govern. They also pointed out they will be the ones who will decide when they can reopen. Depending on the situation, if they find it safe to go back to normal operations, then they will do so.

In any case, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo opposed the POTUS’ claim of total authority on the subject of reopening the country’s economy since the coronavirus pandemic is not contained yet. The Democratic governor asserted that Trump can’t force them since it will endanger the public.

“We don’t have a king,” Cuomo told NBC News. “The president doesn’t have total authority and if he says to me, 'I declare it open,' and that is a public health risk or it's reckless with the welfare of the people of my state, I will oppose it. We're not going to follow your order for it would be terrible for this country.

Meanwhile, the governors of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have banded together and agreed to coordinate their plans and actions. The head of Washington, California and Oregon have agreed to do team up as well.